BANGOR TOWNSHIP, MI — SC Johnson has applied for its third tax abatement in three years, which would require 100 percent job retention over the eight-year abatement period if is approved.

"I don't see any opposition because of the required job retention," said Terry Watson, township supervisor. "They provided us with the number of employees working, and they must retain that number of employees while the abatement is in place — it is our hope that they will not only maintain it, but aslo expand it."

Two public hearings on the company's tax exemption certificates are scheduled for 6:30 and 6:45 p.m. on June 12 at Bangor Township Hall, 180 State Park Drive. SC Johnson, 4867 E. Wilder Road, had to apply individually since the exemptions are for machinery that would be used in two seperate buildings in the industrial zone.

SC Johnson is purchasing two pieces of machinery: one costs $622,000 and the other costs $450,000. SC Johnson officials said that the tax abatement on these purchases would sustain their current employee numbers for almost a decade.

"The majority of their employees are Bay County residents," Watson said. "I also know some Bangor residents that work there."

Both of the buildings noted in the application have a combined total of 304 employees as of Jan. 1. This number would have to be maintained for the eight-year abatement.

SC Johnson produces home cleaning supplies such as Pledge, Windex, Drano and Shout; air care products, such as Glade and Oust; pest control products such as Raid and Off; and home storage products, including several varieties of Ziploc bags that are made in Bangor Township and Bay City.